Pakistan Air Force to get latest four F-16 Block-52 aircraftJune 22, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Forces is all set to receive four latest F-16 Block 52 jets from US at Shahbaz Airbase in this week.

US will deliver 18 F-16 jets to Pakistan and four of them will reach Shahbaz Airbase, Jacobabad this week.

Shahbaz Airbase has been converted into latest operational airbase before arrival of these jets. Eight pilots of PAF have already completed their F-16 training in US.

Sources said that US is also providing additional technical assistance to PAF regarding F-16 jets. The addition of these jets will boost the operational capabilities of the air force.

Source: Express Tribune

Pakistan to receive first four of 18 upgraded F-16s from USJune 23, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will receive the first four of 18 upgraded F-16s from the US this week and the multi-role combat jets will give its air force the capability to conduct night operations and use precision-guided munitions.

The four Block 52 F-16s are due to arrive at Shahbaz airbase in Jacobabad on Saturday, official sources were quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

The delivery of all 18 jets ordered by Pakistan from the US will be completed by the end of this year, the sources said.

The jets will enhance Pakistan Air Force's capabilities for the ongoing war against terror, the sources were quoted as saying.

Pakistan is also conducting negotiations with the US for purchasing another 14 new F-16s, the sources said.

The Block 52 F-16s are more advanced than the F-16 A/B jets in the PAF's existing fleet.

The PAF is in the process of conducting a mid-life upgrade of its fleet of 30-year-old F-16s.

Four of the 45 old F-16s are currently being upgraded and they will be ready in a couple of months, the sources said.

Ahead of the delivery of the Block 52 F-16s, eight Pakistani pilots underwent training in the US.

The training included a course to make the transition from the F-16 A/B to the F-16 Block C/D aircraft, flight lead upgrade training and instructor pilot certification so that they eight pilots could train others to fly the new jets.

Great News! Looking forward to see these birds fly in our own airspace soon. After the delivery of these 18 brand new jets is completed, pakistan is going to receive 14more jets of similar configuration. our inventory will be consisting of 80Vipers. Its a significant number for us though! these brand new jets are configured/capable to deliver precision nuclear weapons as well, same will be the case with our 45MLU vipers. The jets are already on their way from the U.S on a ferry flight. WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!!!

Pardon my ignorance by PAF had 32 F16's left from its original 40. Didn't Pakistan (I remember reading a while back) receive an additional 28 MLU'd A/B's to make the total 60? If so the C/D's would make it 78 and if 14 more added, 92? My question to pakviper is how did you get 45 MLU vipers?

@karachikid, 32 F-16s, left originally out their 40, we received 14 upgraded versions of A/B models couple of years back, total comes to 46 vipers. So, our 46 vipers are currently receiving MLU upgrade in Turkey, in addition to this we will have 32 advanced block-52s, by end of next year. our fleet will be of 78 vipers. Our MLU vipers will carry BVR Missiles also.

@yasirbhojani, our vipers will be staying at Lejas, Azores, after that, their final stop will be in Turkey, prior to arrival at Shahbaz airbase. maybe conformal tanks will be used apart from the 300 gallon tanks and 600 gallon tanks.

By the way what is the cruise speed for ferry flights, and what range can be travelled with maximum fuel load out?

PAF F-16D block 52 #10801 seen air-to-air on September 30th, 2009 during its 2nd flight. The USAF is set to deliver the first of 18 new F-16C/D block 52's to the Pakistan Air Force. [Lockheed Martin photo]

That has got to be one of the finest sights in aviation ever. I've never met an F16 I didn't fall in love with. But from certain angles this bird is just incredible. No other aircraft--past, current or anticipated comes close to looking as gorgeous!

Three F-16 Block-52 fighter planes to be inducted in PAF fleet on June 26June 25, 2010

Three F-16 Block 52 C fighter jets would be inducted in the Pakistan Air Force flee tomorrow (Saturday) for ensuring the country's defense and security.

Defense authorities on Friday told that in the first phase US would hand over 3 F-16 Block C fighter jets to Pakistan that would be equipped with latest weapons and technology.

Pakistani pilots would fly the three F-16 fighter jets from America. In the second phase Five F-16 Block 52 C fighter jets would be handed over to Pakistan in one and a half month. While overall a total of 18 fighter jets would be inducted in the PAF fleet by this year end.

The officials told that talks are on with US authorities for another 14 F-16 Block 52 C jets and we are optimistic that US would provide us with these jets. After the induction of 18 F-16 Block C Jets the PAF fleet of F-16s would swell to 63.

The officials told that the fighter jets are equipped with modern technology and 8 Pakistani pilots have gotten special training from US to fly these planes. The planes are also equipped with BVR missile and electronic jammers, laser guided bombs and night attack.

The officials further told that PAF would fulfill its defense needs to ensure an impregnable defense of the country and fight against terrorism and country's defense capability would be substantially enhanced with the induction of these jets.

Defence sources also informed that these fighter planes will be kept at Shahbaz Airbase, which has been turned into a formal operation base, and Pakistan will utilize these planes for its operational objectives.